Find answers about wedding-day dog handling, standalone private pet care, booking, safety, transportation and service areas. Wedding services and private pet care can be booked separately.
Wedding Services
Planning for your dog’s role, comfort and care throughout the wedding day.
We provide dog handling, transportation, grooming, and coordination with your venue to ensure your dog is included in your wedding day, stress-free. If this doesn’t include one or more of your potential requests, please reach out as we are very flexible and can usually make accommodations.
- For the best availability, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season.
Because every dog and timeline is different, every package can be customized around your dog’s needs and the wedding-day schedule.
During the ceremony, our handlers focus on keeping your dog calm and comfortable. When requested, we can also help your dog walk down the aisle.
Reception care is available when your dog needs a calm space, a break from the activity or dedicated attention.
Absolutely! We can coordinate their participation in key photo moments, making sure they’re picture-perfect.
Wedding-day grooming and accessories
Pre-wedding grooming can include nail trimming, brushing and outfit styling so your dog looks and feels their best.
A comfortable outfit or accessory can be coordinated to complement your wedding theme.
We can coordinate floral collars, leashes or other accessories that align with your wedding aesthetic.
Before the ceremony, we can schedule a grooming touch-up so your dog looks clean and polished.
We work closely with local business Homeward Bound Mobile Grooming to offer full bathing services prior to the wedding day to make sure your dog is looking their best.
While we don’t offer full training services, we can provide some basic training guidance to prepare your dog for the big day.
If your celebration continues into the night, overnight care may be added to keep your dog looked after.
Definitely! We can help your dog take on the role of ring bearer or other fun roles during the ceremony.
Private Pet Care
Standalone care options for dogs in Traverse City, Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.
Yes. Wedding services and private pet care can be booked separately. You can request private home boarding, overnight care, in-home care, hotel or Airbnb care, or transportation without planning a wedding. Explore Private Pet Care.
Available options include personalized private home boarding, overnight care, care at your home, hotel or Airbnb care, and transportation when it fits the care plan. Tell us what your dog needs through the inquiry form so we can recommend the right arrangement.
Depending on your dog, location and schedule, care may take place in a private home environment, at your home, or at your hotel or Airbnb. Homeward Bound Dog Co. does not operate a boarding facility; the location and routine are confirmed as part of your personalized plan.
Because every stay is different, private pet care is quoted separately from wedding packages and add-ons. Pricing depends on the dates, location, length of care, number of dogs, care needs, transportation and holiday scheduling. See the Private Pet Care Pricing section and contact us for availability and a custom quote.
For a helpful first conversation, include your requested dates, care location, number of dogs, daily routine, transportation needs and any health, medication or comfort information that could affect the care plan. We’ll follow up to confirm what is available and appropriate.
Service Areas
Availability across Northern Michigan and West Michigan.
We serve Northern Michigan and West Michigan. Approved West Michigan communities include Grand Rapids, Ada, Rockford, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Walker, Grandville, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Jamestown, Wyoming, and Kentwood. Contact us to confirm availability for your exact location and dates.
Send the service type, dates and care or venue location through the Contact page. We’ll review the schedule, distance and care needs before confirming availability.
Booking and Payments
Consultations, packages, deposits and payment information.
Yes. Initial consultations and meet-and-greets are free.
Private boarding is $100 per night, or $125 per night on holidays. Each additional dog from the same household is $50 per night. Overnight or in-home care, hotel or Airbnb care, pet taxi and transportation, and other custom arrangements are quoted individually based on mileage and care needs.
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your dates. Cancellations require at least 7 days’ notice for a refund or credit.
To keep things simple and stress-free, we require full payment before your event. This helps us focus on providing seamless service without the need for follow-ups. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our pricing!
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and online payments via PayPal or direct bank transfers.
Safety and Requirements
How care is adapted around comfort, downtime and individual needs.
Our handlers are experienced with managing anxious dogs. We offer calming techniques and breaks to ensure your pet feels comfortable.
During downtime, we provide a designated rest area with water, toys and a comfortable place to relax.
Dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations and be on flea and tick prevention. We happily administer oral and topical medications at no extra charge; please note any complex medical needs in your inquiry. We cannot board dogs with a history of aggression toward people or other dogs, severe destructive separation anxiety, or an active contagious illness.
Transportation
Planning safe pickup, drop-off and venue travel.
Yes. Transportation is available across both our Northern Michigan and West Michigan service areas. Pet taxi and transportation are quoted based on mileage.
Transportation may be included when it fits the dates, distance and requested care plan. Share the pickup and drop-off locations through the inquiry form so availability and any related cost can be confirmed.
Transportation and pet taxi services are custom quoted based on mileage and the details of the care plan.
Still Have a Question?
Tell us what kind of care you need, your dates and your location. We’ll help you find the right service and confirm availability.